Wonders of Region1: February 2012

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Bacsil Ridge Monument

Located 9 kilometers northeast of San Fernando town proper through the San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Bacsil Ridge was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province. Later, the Ridge constituted the East Flank of the 121st Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP, NL) during the Liberation in 1945

Bacsil Ridge is now famous for its breathtaking view of the coastal line of San Fernando. In here, you can almost see the entire city of San Fernando.

Cervantes Ilocos Sur Philippines

The earliest known historical document about Cervantes was that it started as a small Igorot village known as “Mantamang” an Igorot word meaning “to look over”. Man and horse trails connecting the lowland and upland neighboring localities were frequently used by Igorot traders and Chinese merchants who always had to pass the village.

In the year 1879, March 4, the residents of Mantamang petitioned that the village be recognized as a Christian town under Lepanto-Amburayan, a sub-province of Mt. Province. The town was given the name “Cervantes” which remains the name of the town at present. How it got the name Cervantes is not known or documented

By year 1922, Cervantes became a regular Municipality in the Province of Ilocos Sur.

The windmills of Ilocos Norte

There are no huge markers proclaiming the 15 windmills of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. But if the locals find out that you are a tourist, you are likely to hear about “their” windmills every day. It is also difficult to miss if you’re spending your holiday on the famous beaches of Pagudpud or Saud, from where the windmills can still be seen. The structures, after all, are 70 meters tall and the bases cover four meters square. Once there, you are likely to meet travelers from afar who, like you, are there for the view and the pictures they just have to take.

Ma Cho Temple

Constructed on September 11, 1975 through the initiative of then Tourism Minister Jose D. Aspiras and cooperation of the Chinese community, this majestic Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing the China Sea. Here, people form all walks of life come and pray for change of luck from Ma Cho, a Chinese deity, whose eight inch wooden image surprisingly has a counterpart in the Roman Catholic faith known as the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas.

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

When the Spaniards discovered that the land and climate of Ilocos is perfect for growing tobacco, they forced the people to plant only tobacco and no other crop. The sakadas were also forced to sell the tobacco leaves only to the Spanish government. This has lead to numerous resistance among the locals. There were also stories of untold abuses done by the authorities. For one hundred long years, 1781 until 1881, the tobacco monopoly existed in Ilocos. A period of dark history in Ilocandia.

It was only in 1881 when King Alfonso XII lifted the tobacco monopoly. The people of Ilocos then erected the Tobacco Monopoly Momunent as a thanksgiving to the Crown of Spain for recognizing the stuggles of the Ilocano people against the Monopoly.

The tall yet graceful monument is located right at the center of Laoag City plaza, in front of the Provincial Capitol.

La Union Philippines World Class Dive Sites Destination

La Union has one of the first beach resorts that ever developed in the Philippines. La Union has so much to offer to tourist and visitors. This place has many historical and cultural heritage. It has also enchanting and marvelous natural scenic views. La Union is one of the popular and famous vacation getaway in the Philippines.

La Union is also the home of the beautiful and world class dive sites/spots in the country. The main attraction of La Union for scuba divers is the long stretches of reef at Long Beach. In La Union, there are many attractive offshore reefs that that are superb dive sites and you can experience variety of wild and exotic marine life. La Union is a particularly good place to learn scuba diving as there are a number of shallow dives and the waters are protected, so currents are minimal.

La Union is also provides excellent wreck dive sites to wreck divers. There is one dive site in LA Union that is known as the Tanks in which where three World War Two M10 tanks were dropped off a barge at the end of the war.

Fagg Reef: This dive site has a depth of 20m to 100m and the current can be very strong. This dive site is the most famous in the area. The reef is part of the shelf that makes the divide between The Lingayen Gulf and The South China Sea. This dive site is also known as the Tanks as where three World War Two M10 tanks were dropped off a barge at the end of the war. They now rest on a ledge at a depth of 39 metres, and have become the home for a large number of fish including Dorado’s, Spanish Mackerel and Barracuda. Also spotted in the area have been a number of Leopard Rays, Whitetip Sharks and whale sharks.

Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag

The sinking bell tower is one of Laoag City’s most famous landmarks in fact one of the top Ilocos Norte tourist attractions. The structure is claimed to be the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines. This massive 45-meter (150 foot) bell tower was also built by the Augustinians in 1612. Located almost a hundred meters away from the St. William's Cathedral, the tower has sunk to the ground and leans slightly to the north.

Pinsal Falls

"The 85-foot-high waterfall cascades down into a narrow gorge. The waters of the falls flow down into not just one but two large natural catch basins at the bottom."

Pinsal Falls is a Philippine waterfall that is located in the town of Santa Maria in the province of Ilocos Sur. With a height of approximately 85 feet, it is known for being the largest waterfall in the Ilocos Region as well as for its natural beauty. With its romantic atmosphere, Pinsal Falls is a popular location for filming Philippine movies as well as a favorite spot for swimming and for picnicking.

San Juan La Union Surfer's Beach Resort

San Juan La Union, an area north of Luzon, is now well- known as THE place for happy surfers. For those keen to enjoy this piece of surfer paradise, they may try The La Union Surf Resort which is about a mile and a half North of San Fernando and is around 4 hours travel from Metro Manila.

The resort boasts of La Union’s famous surfing breakers for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. The whole place is relaxing, peaceful and far away from the stresses of city life…it’s complete island living without the inconveniences! The resort has rooms available for a variety of tastes and budgets. You may have your own bungalow with air conditioning units, fridge and cable TV or you can go spartan with rooms that can accommodate up to 4 or 6 persons. Whatever your choice, you enjoy every single minute of riding the waves from dusk til dawn! San Juan La Union is the up and coming surfing gem so unlike the crowd of other commercialized surfing spots in the country.

3 Caves of Bolinao Pangasinan

Enchanted Cave

Additional Note:

They also offer tables that you can rent. 350 Pesos/table
They have a sari-sari store where you can buy light snacks and halo-halo.
You can rinse here with their manual water pump (poso).

Contact Number: 0939-570-9901
Operating Hours: 8AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: 50 Pesos/pax if not swimming; 70 Pesos/pax if swimming

Wonderful Cave

When we arrived at the compound of Wonderful Cave it was somehow a residential area and it was. The cave is being handled by the family that lives there.

When you go take a dip into the pool in Wonderful Cave try to find the secret room

Additional Note: During summer they have a time limit of 30 minutes per person to accommodate the many visitors that arrives.

Contact Number: 0908-714-2210
Operating Hours: 6AM to 6:30PM
Entrance Fee: 40 Pesos/pax

Cindy’s Cave

Enchanted, Wonderful and Cindy’s Cave are included in the tricycle tours around Bolinao, Pangasinan which costs 800 Pesos/tricycle and will take you to the different tourist spots of Bolinao.

Contact Number: 0928-411-1102
Entrance Fee: 50 Pesos/pax

Antong Falls in Sison, Pangasinan

Enjoy the breath taking waters as you see the running waters of Antong Falls which is located in the municipality of Sison, Pangasinan. But before, getting into the site and seeing this wonderful falls, you will embark a journey passing through the green fields of the town. You'll also pass through a hanging bridge on the way. It's really an exciting adventure everyone should try. So for all nature lovers out there, don't miss to visit this place. It is something you will truly enjoy. You may get tired a bit walking as you get there but it's worth it in the end!

This thus proves that the natural wonders here in Pangasinan is well taken cared of. And Pangasinan isn't only popular with beaches but with falls too. Antong Falls is just one of the wonderful falls in the province of Pangasinan. Many people haven't seen this wonder yet. So, dare to visit Antong Falls not only for those people from other places but most especially to all Pangasinenses and Ilocanos.

Kultura Splash Wave

The newest water recreation of the North, nestled at the foot of the mountain... Experience a one of a kind fun and relaxation in a world class WAVE POOL that can electronically produce various types of waves... Be thrilled on the newest heart pounding GIANT SLIDES... Feel and enjoy with your family and friends in a unique design DOLPHIN POOLS... Let your kids play and have fun at the WATER FACTORY...

ENTRANCE FEES

WEEK DAY RATES (Mondays - Fridays) Wave pool activation on weekdays is OPTIONAL depending on the number of guests	WEEKEND/HOLIDAY RATES (Sat-Sun-& Holidays) Wave pool schedule will be every hour starting 10:30 am
	DAY or NIGHT SWIMMING	DAY or NIGHT SWIMMING
Adults	P 250.00	P 280.00
Children 4ft. below	P 180.00	P 200.00

Infants 2ft. below are Free of Admission Senior citizen with valid ID are subject to 20% discount Prices are subject to change without prior notice COTTAGES